Bayern Munich left-back Richard Ajayi trained with the senior team for the first time ahead of Friday’s Bundesliga clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Allianz Arena, according to German newspaper Bild.

The 16-year-old was pictured stepping onto the pitch alongside England captain Harry Kane and defender Josip Stanišić during a full senior training session.

Ajayi’s inclusion comes at a crucial time for the Bavarians, who are dealing with injuries to first-choice full-backs Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Itō.

Both defenders are sidelined with muscle tears and have been limited to running drills as part of their recovery, ruling them out of the Gladbach encounter.

The teenager’s presence in training is expected to provide additional depth on the left flank as Bayern seek to maintain momentum in the league.

Highly rated within the club’s youth ranks, Ajayi earned his call-up under head coach Vincent Kompany following a string of impressive performances at youth level.

Known for his attacking thrust and pace down the left wing, the youngster has featured prominently for Bayern’s U17 and U19 sides this season.

He has made 14 appearances in the U17 Youth League, scoring twice and providing three assists, while also registering two assists in four outings for the U19 team.

Ajayi joined Bayern in the summer of 2022 at the age of 12 from 1. FC Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Still only 16, he now has an opportunity to stake his claim in the senior setup and will be eager to impress Kompany as he eyes a potential debut for the Bundesliga champions.

Adeyemi Adewale